International audienceAssistive technology is dedicated to people who suffers from disabilities or pathologies that limit their daily life. It provides support in alternative communication, accessibility, mobility and cognitive domains. An example of this type of technology is the electric wheelchair that allows the person to move more freely and independently. However, most models are operated with a joystick, limiting their use to those who can manipulate it. Electromyographic signals can be used as an alternative method for controlling the vehicle by people with severe motor disabilities. Virtual simulators are good tools for testing different types of control and teaching future users how to drive it before moving on to a real model. This paper presents an electromyography system adapted for controlling a virtual electric wheelchair simulator by using facial muscles. The designed system was successfully tested by a volunteer in a pilot study, providing an alternative way for controlling a wheelchair by users who can't operate a joystick
Spasticity is a motor disorder that affects over 12 million people worldwide. Its pathophysiology is rather complex and might be caused by cortical problems or spinal cord injury, for example, and involves different circuitries and networks. The measurement of spasticity is very important for providing better support for the patients, both in diagnosis and treatment. However, there's not an agreement over what is the best method for doing it. It has been proposed that the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold might be a valid alternative as a quantitative measurement. In this context this paper presents the proposal of a computational tool that is meant to support the measurement of spasticity in stroke patients based on the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold method. Its purpose is to support therapy management by providing a quantitative measurement of the spasticity severity and to serve as a good tool to therapists, giving instructions and results in real time. This paper presents the software specifications, the preliminary results obtained, which are related to the data acquisition process, and a discussion over the next steps of the project.
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